Pallicchan.—A sub-division of Nāyars, the hereditary occupation of which is palanquin-bearing. In the Cochin Census Report, the Pallicchan s are recorded as being palanquin-bearers for Brāhmans.
Pallikkillam.—An exogamous sept or illam of Tamil Panikkans.
Pālua.—A sub-division of Badhōyi.
Pambaikkāran.—An occupational name for Paraiyans, who play on a drum called pambai.
Pambala.—The Pambalas, or drum (pamba) people, are Mālas who act as musicians at Māla marriages and festivals in honour of their deities. They also take part in the recitation of the story of Ankamma, and making muggu (designs on the floor) at the peddadinamu death ceremony of the Gamallas.
Pammi (a common lamp).—An exogamous sept of Dēvanga.
Pāmula (snake people).—A name for snake-charming Koravas, and Jōgis, who, in the character of itinerant showmen, exhibit snakes to the public. The name also occurs as an exogamous sept of Māla and Yānādi.
Panam (palmyra palm: Borassus fiabellifer.)—A sub-division of Shānān. It also occurs as a branch or kothu of Kondaiyamkotti Maravans.
Pānān.—The Tamil Pānāns are said, in the Census Report, 1901, to be also called Mēstris. They are " tailors among Tamils in Madura and Tinnevelly. They employ Brāhmans and Vellālas as purōhits. Though barbers and washermen will not eat food prepared by them, they are allowed to enter Hindu temples." The Malayālam Pānāns are described in the same report as " exorcists and devil-dancers. The men also make umbrellas, and the women act as midwives. In parts they are called Malayans, and they may be
